Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Fisheries and Marine Resources, Hon. Jelta Wong, speaking on behalf of Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, MP, today called for greater regional cooperation to address critical social issues at the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders’ Dialogue.
Addressing the Heads of the Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific (CROP), Minister Wong highlighted the urgent need for tangible collaboration to protect Pacific people and their way of life, including strengthening the surveillance and security of maritime borders. He underscored that while collaboration is frequently discussed, it often lacks real-world implementation.
“We need to move past rhetoric and turn our ideas into action,” Minister Wong stated. “The alarming rise of methamphetamine in our region is a critical issue that requires immediate and serious attention.”
He cited the challenges faced by Pacific nations in implementing initiatives, such as the East New Britain Initiative, due to interventions from large international fishing interests. “We have to work harder to implement our interventions,” he said.
Minister Wong also acknowledged the work of Dr. Stuart Minchin, Director General of the South Pacific Community, for his efforts to support people with disabilities, calling it a significant social issue that impacts every country in the region.
However, he returned to the threat of methamphetamine, calling it a detrimental social issue that is often overlooked. He warned that if the region does not tackle the drug problem now, it will have far-reaching consequences.
“We have small populations, and the reality of rising methamphetamine use throughout our region means we could lose our people, our traditions, and our cultures because of this one synthetic drug that we are unable to control,” Minister Wong concluded.
About the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF): The Pacific Islands Forum is the region’s premier political and economic policy organization. It brings together leaders from across the Pacific to address critical issues and promote cooperation.